A Family Court sitting in the Calabar Magisterial District of Cross River State has ordered the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital to proceed with a blood transfusion for a two-year-old girl, Ruth Oham Samuel, despite opposition from her parents on religious grounds.
The court, presided over by Deputy Chief Registrar, Mrs. V.S.S. Ebaye, gave the ruling on Thursday, May 8, 2025, following an ex-parte motion filed by the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI).
The suit, marked MC/FC/21/2025, listed the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital and Mr. Oham Samuel Oke, father of the child, as respondents.
According to the court order, which was signed by Registrar Kate Michael Enoh, the child—who is currently in intensive care—must receive a blood transfusion and any other medical interventions necessary to save her life.
The court also ruled that the consent of the parents is no longer required given the urgency of the situation.
The order read in part: “That the 1st respondent, the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, and Mr. Oham Samuel Oke are hereby compelled/directed/mandated/authorised to administer a blood transfusion and/or such medical intervention as may be reasonably required to preserve the life and well-being of Ruth Oham Samuel (F), 2 years, 9 months.”
The parents, who are members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses, had reportedly rejected the medical recommendation based on their faith, which forbids blood transfusion.
Witnesses at the hospital said the family attempted to remove the child forcibly to prevent the procedure.
A human rights organisation, Humanist Enabling Love Project (HELP), has commended BRCI’s intervention. In a statement issued by its founder, Dr. Leo Igwe, the group said Ruth was at risk of dying within 72 hours without the transfusion.
“Medical officers must remain vigilant and ensure that no child is endangered by the religious beliefs of their parents,” he added.
HELP also called on the government and relevant stakeholders to address the implications of such religious practices, citing the large population of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Nigeria and the potential risk to child welfare.
The court further ruled that the parents remain financially responsible for the treatment of their daughter.
The case underscores ongoing tensions between religious beliefs and child rights laws in Nigeria, particularly regarding life-saving medical procedures.
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